Barring any last minute chance, Peter Obi is getting ready to declare his interest in the 2027 presidential election.
Sources close to the former Labour Party candidate revealed that he is not open to being a running mate, especially not to Atiku Abubakar, whom he previously deputised in 2019 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
This move is unfolding as Atiku explores the possibility of joining forces with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following failed talks between his camp and Obi’s team.
A recent meeting in London, which lasted three days and involved key figures from both sides, reportedly ended without agreement.
Obi is expected to make a public declaration within the week and may also reveal the political platform he intends to use.
Those familiar with the situation insisted that he is determined to contest as a presidential candidate, not as a vice president.
Meanwhile, Atiku is said to be in advanced discussions with the ADC, with speculations that he could fly the party’s flag if talks with Obi remain unfruitful.
The ADC may even witness a leadership change, influenced by Atiku’s allies, including former Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, who are pushing to restructure the party to accommodate Atiku’s ambitions.
In response to media reports suggesting a possible Atiku-Obi joint ticket, both camps have dismissed the claims.
They said there has been no agreement and the rumours are aimed at stirring confusion.
The Obidient Movement, made up of Obi’s loyal followers, has also denied that Obi will serve as anyone’s deputy in 2027.
They said his 2023 campaign gave the South-East a louder voice and see any return to a vice-presidential role as a step backward.
Supporters of Obi insisted that he is only focused on working with others to fight poverty, hunger, poor healthcare, and the education crisis in Nigeria.
According to his team, any talks of political partnership must be rooted in addressing these core issues, not in securing positions for the sake of power.
